Vegan Foods That Are High in Vitamin B-12

by
TARYNNE MINGIONE Last Updated: Jan 13, 2014

Tarynne Mingione

Tarynne Mingione is a registered dietitian and registered yoga teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition at Bastyr University and completed Baylor College of Medicine Neonatal Nutrition Fellowship. Her experience also includes diabetes camp dietitian and wellness event health educator and teaches yoga at various locations.

Almond milk smoothie, with banana and avocado, is a good source for vitamin B-12Photo Credit Lecic/iStock/Getty Images

Produced by microogranisms, vitamin B-12 is found naturally in animal foods but can be added to other foods. Vegan diets require careful planning to appropriately meet requirements since this diet excludes the naturally best sources of vitamin B-12. This nutrient serves critical roles as cofactors for enzymes, and vegans require as much of it as those on nonrestrictive diets. Deficiencies are consequential to health and require immediate attention by a physician. U.S. government dietary guidelines recommend 2.4 micrograms daily for everyone age 14 and older.

Key Vegan Sources

Edamame (soybeans) in bowlPhoto Credit Cindy Chen/iStock/Getty Images

Because B-12 is found naturally in animal products, the best vegan sources of vitamin B-12 are foods that have been fortified with B-12. The highest sources include fortified rice, soy, oat and nut milks (typically containing 0.6 to 3.0 micrograms per 8-fluid-ounce serving, depending on the manufacturer) and fortified cereals (typically 1.5 micrograms per 3/4- or 1-cup serving).

Don't Look for B-12 in These Foods

While brewer's yeast, wheat grass, tempeh, fortified soy meats and spirulina have a reputation for containing vitamin B-12, these claims have not been confirmed in scientific studies. While these foods can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced, healthy vegan diet, you shouldn't depend on them as a high contributing source of vitamin B-12.